Welfare rules 'dictated' Yuendumu exodus plan

South Australia's Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement said those seeking refuge in Adelaide from the Northern Territory last week were not able to disperse more evenly across the country because of quarantining of welfare payments.

Klynton Wanganeen says many people in the group of about 90 from Yuendumu are restricted by a federal scheme which controls how and where they can spend their income.

He says their basic card use has some restrictions interstate so they needed outside help to make a road trip to Adelaide.

Mr Wanganeen says that is an impingement on human rights.

He said support services in Adelaide would not be under so much pressure had all the people not been forced to travel to a single location.

"The basic card actually restricts their freedom to have a quicker and more informed choices about other locations that may have been more suitable to the individuals," he said.

A staff member for federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said the cards could be used at a range of outlets in South Australia, including Caltex and Woolworths.